Sew CreepyThread Catcher

I ordered this fantastic fabric from the Michael Miller Nevermore collection.

Michael Miller Nevermore Collage Fabric

I like the creepiness and the goth steampunk feel of it, but I didn't want to turn it into a quilt.  I was browsing on Pinterest and found this great tutorial on how to make fabric bins.

It's very easy to make.  I'm using it as a thread catcher because the cardboard box that I've been using just isn't fancy enough.  I ended up only using the largest size pattern, but I could probably get away with using it as a fabric scrap bin and making a smaller one for the catching of the threads.  The only thing I regret is that I didn't use a heavier interfacing so my bin is a little squishy, but it's still functional.

Here's the link to the tutorial on Birch Fabrics:

See!  You can turn something so cute and adorable into your own weird and strange tastes.

Oak Drive

This lap sized quilt, that I finished yesterday, was made out of a single charm pack called Sakura from Andover Makower UK.  I patched it with the many yards of black fabric that I have and a half yard of red border fabric.  It measures 39x47 and has a double layer of low loft batting.

Throughout the entire process I was lucky enough to be inspired by my garden for this quilt.  It just so happened that the Kwanzan Japanese Cherry Blossom tree in my yard was in bloom.

When the time came for me to machine quilt, the pink petals were really coming down

Im having my own cherry blossom festival in my backyard

A photo posted by Jo Wobser (@jowobser) on May 5, 2015 at 2:28am PDT

I decided to use the cherry blossom as my quilting pattern and to connect them with some leaves.  At first I drew some out on the outer black patches and then traced them.  I was having a tough time, but it might have had to do with the thread I had.  Note to self:  sewing machines are picky when using carpet and button thread.  After changing out my threads it was pretty simple after that.  No tracing necessary.  Very simple design.

This is the last time I'll get to see this tree in bloom.  Unfortunately, the owner of this house has sold the property, so we will have to move at the end of this month.  I will miss this tree, this garden, this conservatory that made an awesome computer and craft room.  No worries though, our new house is also a beauty.  But, I think this will always be my favorite.

At least when I look at this quilt I will know the reason why I named it Oak Drive.